My Mystery Hosts in Hotlanta

Now that you've heard about the Disappearing Couches of Nashville, you'll understand my apprehension about my arrangements in Atlanta.

When I was preparing for my solo journey to Florida, I considered joining CouchSurfing, but never went through with it because, at the time, I didn't know anyone who used it and I was already a jumble of nerves about moving to begin with. I only wanted to stay with friends or mutual friends.

My arrangements for Atlanta were as such: my longtime Internet friend / pen pal, Sarah, used to work with this guy, Kevin back in San Francisco. Neither of them work at that same place, anymore. Sarah is still in California, but Kevin moved to Atlanta. Sarah got in touch with him and Kevin was totally game to let me stay with him and his girlfriend. We had been in contact via email, and then we spoke on the phone as I was getting ready to leave downtown Nashville. He was very nice and very friendly.

As I was inching toward the Tennessee/Kentucky border, it dawned on me: What if he doesn't know how I know Sarah? Granted, this was late 2010, meeting people on the Internet had been a common practice for many years at this point, but still. Some people are weird about it. Forgetting the time difference between us (especially as I was entering the Eastern time zone), I called Sarah and left a message, explaining my concern. At one of my stops, we exchanged texts. She didn't see any reason for Kevin to be weirded out by the fact that Sarah and I had never actually met, and no, she did not tell him.

I was so happy to arrive at Kevin's house after battling Atlanta traffic. It was past the rush hour time frame when I reached the city limits, but holy hell, that does not matter. Kevin and his girlfriend, Laura were so friendly and welcoming, and their dog was really awesome, too. We exchanged pleasantries, they asked about the trip, got the formalities out of the way. And then Kevin said, "So how long have you known Sarah?"

"Gosh, a few years now."

"Cool. Are you from California?"

"Nope. Never been there, actually."

"Oh. Did you two... go to school together?"

"No."

"So... how do you and Sarah know each other?"

"The Internet."

"Oh, ha ha. That's cool. How many times have you and Sarah hung out?"

"Uh, never."

"Never?!"

"Nope! I've never actually met her in person!"

And then Kevin erupted into laughter and his girlfriend's face carried a shocked-but-amused expression. I explained that, even though Sarah and I haven't actually met in person yet, we're VERY good friends and have been for years (probably 4-5 years at that point). Every time Sarah and I tried to visit the other, something always came up. There was a year where, any time we picked a week in a month, one of us had either a wedding to attend (which always comes with a high cost), a family obligation (non-wedding-related), or some kind of ridiculous medical expense (because getting sick is crazy expensive, with or without insurance).

Anyway, Kevin thought this was hilarious and "SO Sarah!" When I said, "I hope this doesn't weird you two out too much!" he and his girlfriend insisted it was fine. Just really, really funny.

And again, their kindness and warmth and hospitality were beyond appreciated. I'm still so glad that I got to meet those two and make a wonderful new connection in the Atlanta area. Kevin and Laura both had to work in the morning, but Laura had an early day and she and I met up for lunch before I headed down to Florida, where a brand new life awaited me.

PS. I have since gotten over my fear of CouchSurfing.com.

South By Southeast: Atlanta Recap

Holla for Hotlanta!

I want to start out this entry by saying that I truly believe I deserve a commemorative t-shirt for surviving Atlanta traffic, both night AND day, and NOT getting in an accident. If anyone from the Georgia Board of Tourism is reading this, please email me and we'll work out the details.

But seriously, everything you've heard about Atlanta traffic is true. Holy cow! I admit, it was kind of thrilling at first. The challenge gave me a great adrenaline rush. The novelty wore off a little later on, though.

Still, Atlanta is huge and I know I only saw >1% of the city. That >1% was pretty cool, though. I arrived at my hosts' house fairly late in the evening, so I didn't do any sight-seeing that night. I did stop at a Kroger, though, because I'd never been a Kroger before and I was dorkily curious. I was underwhelmed by their Health Market section, but still appreciative that it was there.

I had a wonderful evening with my hosts, though, and we chatted all evening.

The next morning, I headed to a coffee shop recommended by one of my hosts: Dr. Barnaby's Underwater Tea Party (GREAT name!). I think this was near the Little Five Points area.


It was adorably decorated. I liked the vintage bird cages hanging from the ceiling.
They "offer" vegan options, but when I asked about them out of curiosity, I was told they didn't actually have anything vegan that day. Vegan fail!

I got my usual iced soy chai, which ended up being the weakest, most watery soy chai I've ever had. Double fail! Oh well. I was just there for the free wi-fi (which also kicked me off line three times).

As I headed back toward my car, I popped into a really cool store almost next door to Dr. Barnaby's that only sells products made by Atlanta artists.

There was so much cool stuff in this store. If I didn't already have a fully-packed car (and a limited budget), I would have picked up some gifts for friends.








I especially liked the fused glass items.

From there, I mosied on over to the Broadway Cafe for lunch with my new friend. This seemed like the best place for both of us: vegan options for me, and soup options for her (she had a tonsillectomy a few weeks ago).


What attracted me the most to this place was all the greasy, veganized comfort food items, all in the appetizer section (vegan blooming onion? vegan beignets? Vegan zucchini twists? I don't even know what that is, but it sounds good!). Still, thinking about a belly full of greasy food while on the road for a few more hours didn't sound so great. I went with the Mediterranean platter because falafel sounded really good at the moment.

I know, nothing exotic, but this was still really good. I only wished that there was either more falafel, or bigger falafel.

From here, I battled more Atlanta traffic, which was bad enough at 2pm on a Thursday to push me over an hour behind schedule. Luckily, I was not involved in any accidents, though there were a few close calls. Atlanta traffic: only the strong survive.

Coming up: Gainesville, Florida!

PS. Only one full day left to enter the Larabar giveaway. Check it out!